WEB APPLICATIONS AND SECURITY

WORKING WITH ACCESSIBILITY OPTIONS

Computer Accessibility refers to the user friendliness of a computer system for all,
regardless of their disability; it enables a person with a disability or impairment to use a
computer. It is known as Assistive Technology.
LAUNCHING ACCESSIBILITY OPTIONS
To launch accessibility options in WindowsXP,
Click Start > Control Panel > Accessibility Options.

Various Tabs in Accessibility options Window:

1. Keyboard Tab
2. Sound Tab
3. Display Tab
4. Mouse Tab

Keyboard Tab: (to configure accessibility options for Keyboard is displayed:

1. Sticky Keys:
 Sticky keys is an accessible feature that makes modifier keys such as
Shift, Ctrl, Alt or Window key to remain active until any other key is
pressed.
 Sticky Keys help users with physical disabilities to reduce repetitive
strain as they need not to press multiple keys together at same time.

2. Filter Keys:
 Filter Keys is a feature of Microsoft Windows. It is an accessibility
function that tells the keyboard to ignore brief or repeated keystrokes,
making typing easier for people with hand tremors.
 3. Toggle Keys:
 Toggle Keys is also a feature of Microsoft Windows. It is an
accessibility function which is designed for people who have vision
impairment or cognitive disabilities.
 When ToggleKeys is turned on, computer emits sound cues when the
locking keys (Caps Lock, Num Lock, or Scroll Lock) are pressed. A
high sound is emitted when the keys are switched on and a low sound
is emitted when they are switched off.

SOUND TAB: (to configure accessibility options for sound is displayed)

1. Sound Sentry:
 Sound Sentry is designed to help users with auditory impairments.
 Sound Sentry generates visual warnings, such as a blinking title bar or
a flashing border, whenever the computer generates a sound.

2. Show Sounds:
  Show Sounds instructs applications that convey information by sound,
to also provide information visually, through text captions or
informative icons.
 Show Sounds is designed to help users with hearing impairments.

Display Tab: (to configure accessibility options for Display is Displayed:

1. High Contrast:
 High Contrast is an accessibility feature to assist people with vision
impairment.
 You can change the size and color of fonts and the background for ease
of viewing.

2. Cursor Options:
 Cursor Options is also an accessibility feature that assists people with
vision impairment by changing the blink rate and width of the cursor.
Mouse Keys:
 Mouse Keys is an accessible feature that enables a keyboard as a pointing device
instead of mouse.
 Mouse Keys uses numeric keypad of keyboard as pointing device.
 In Numeric Pad , Number key 4 is used to move Left, 6 to move right, 2 to move
down and 8 to move up.

General Tab:
 This tab enables you to configure accessibility options for all users. Select the General
Tab, a window to configure additional accessibility options will be displayed.

1. Serial Keys:
 Serial Keys is an accessibility feature that assists people that have
difficulty using a keyboard or a mouse (or both).

NETWORKING FUNDAMENTALS
A computer network is a collection of computers and other hardware components
interconnected by communication channels (cables or satellites) that allow sharing of
resources and information.

PEER–TO–PEER (P2P) ARCHITECTURE:

 Networks in which all computers have an equal status are called peer to peer
networks. Generally in such a network each terminal has an equally competent CPU.

CLIENT-SERVER ARCHITECTURE:
 Networks in which certain computers have special dedicated tasks, providing services
to other computers (in the network) are called client server networks. The computer(s)
which provide services are called servers and the ones that use these services are
called clients.

TYPES OF NETWORKS:
 Network Local Area Network (LAN)
 Metropolitan Area Network(MAN)
 Wide Area Network (WAN).

Network Local Area Network (LAN):

 A local area network (LAN) is one which connects computers and devices in a limited
geographical area such as home, school, computer laboratory, office building, or
closely positioned group of buildings.
 Usually local area networks offer very high speeds and are used for connecting
computers and peripherals such as printers, scanners, etc.

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN):

 A Metropolitan Area Network is a collection of interconnected Computers and itd
associated devices that are located at one Geographic Location such as a multiple
office building in city or a town.
 Examples: Municipal Offices network, Police Station network etc.
Wide Area Network (WAN):
  A Wide Area Network is a collection of interconnected Computers and associated
devices that are located at different Geographic location such as different cities, states
or countries.
 Comparatively low speed network to LAN and MAN.
 Examples: National Banks, Railways, INTERNET etc.

Some of the advantages associated with networking are:

 Data Sharing:
One of the most important uses of networking is to allow the sharing of data.
 Files transfer:
Users can send text files, spread sheets, documents, presentations, audio files,
video files, etc. to other users.
 Hardware Sharing:
Hardware components such as printers, scanners, etc. can also be shared.
 Internet Access Sharing:
You can purchase a single Internet connection and share it among other
computers in a network instead of purchasing multiple Internet connection for
each computer.
 Usage of network based applications:
Such as web browsers, email clients, chat application, audio & video calling,
etc. is another advantage.

INTERNET:
 It is a network of networks that consists of millions of private, public, academic,
business, and government networks.
 The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks that use the
standard Internet protocol suite to serve billions of users worldwide.

GETTING ACCESS TO THE INTERNET:

  To use the Internet, you need an Internet connection. Internet connections are
provided by Internet Service Providers such as Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited
(BSNL), Airtel , Jio, Vodafone, etc.

World Wide Web:

 World Wide Web (abbreviated as www or w3 , commonly known as the Web), is a
system of interlinked hypertext documents accessed via the Internet.

Web Browser:
 A Web Browser is a software used to view Web Sites and act as an interface between
the user and the World Wide Web.

Web Server:
 A web server is a computer system that stores, processes and delivers web content
such as web pages, applications, images and videos across the internet.

Internet Service Provider:

 Internet service provider (ISP), company that provides Internet connections and
services to individuals and organizations.
 ISP is an organization which provides you with access to the Internet via a dial-up
(using modem) or direct (hard wired) or wireless connection. For example Bharat
Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), Airtel, MTS, Vodafone, Tata Docomo, Jio etc.
 ISPs may also provide software packages (such as browsers), e-mail accounts, and a
personal website or home page.
 ISPs can host websites for businesses and can also build the websites themselves.
ISPs are all connected to each other through network access points, public network
facilities on the Internet backbone.

MODEM Modem:
  Is a device that converts digital computer signals into a form (analog signals) that can
travel over phone lines.
 It also re-converts the analog signals back into digital signals. The word modem is
derived from its function MOdulator/DEModulator.

TYPES OF COMMON INTERNET CONNECTIVITY:

Types of Internet Connectivity can be broadly categorized into Wired Technology and
Wireless Technology.

DATA TRANSFER ON THE INTERNET:

  The data is broken up into bits of same-sized pieces called packets.
 A header is added to each packet explaining where the data has come from, where it
should end up and where it fits in with the rest of the packets.
 Each packet is sent from computer to computer until it finds its destination. All
packets may not take the same route.
 At the destination, the packets are examined. If any packets are missing or damaged, a
message is sent asking for them to be resent. This continues until all packets have
been received intact.
 The packets are now reassembled into their original form. All this done in seconds!

INTRODUCTION TO INSTANT MESSAGING

Instant messaging (IM) is a form of communication over the Internet that offers an
instantaneous transmission of text-based messages from sender to receiver. Most instant
messaging software includes the option for performing file transfers, audio chat, video calling
and conferencing, sharing desktops, etc.

Key Features of an instant messaging are as follows:

 Text Messages can be sent to one or more people (Similar to SMS)
 Audio calling and conferencing.
 Video calling and conferencing.
 File transfers (Not limited to documents, spreadsheets, audio files, video files, etc.)
 Message history (Save messages for future reference).

INSTANT MESSAGING SERVICES:

There are two kinds of instant messaging software:
 Application based and
 Web-based.
Application Based:-
 This software are downloaded and installed on the user’s computer. Eg. Google Talk,
Yahoo! Messenger, Skype, Window Live Messenger, Rediff Bol etc.

Web Based:-
 They are accessed using browsers such as Internet Explorer etc. Eg. MSN Web
Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger for the Web , Meebo , IMO etc.

CREATING AN INSTANT MESSAGING ACCOUNT:

  In this exercise, you will learn to create an instant messaging account for using
Google Talk.
 Note: You need to download and install Google Talk application from
[Link]/talk prior to this exercise.

LAUNCHING GOOGLE TALK

 To launch Google Talk, Click Start > Programs >Google Talk>Google Talk.
 You can also double-click on the Google Talk icon on the desktop if available.
You need to have a list of contacts that are available for chat.
If you don’t have any contacts, you can add their Gmail account to your contact list by
sending an invite.
If you don’t have a Gmail account already you can create a new Gmail account.

CHATTING WITH A CONTACT – GOOGLE TALK

 Whenever your friend in the contact list is online you can see the person along with a
green dot.
 You can start sending text chat messages instantly by double-clicking on a contact.

There are some general rules and etiquette to be followed while chatting:
1. Messages should be short and to the point.
2. Always introduce yourself by name if your screen name doesn’t reflect it.
3. Always ask if the other person has time to chat first – regardless of how important you
think what you have to say is, it’s not going to be well received if the recipient is
busy.
4. Give people time to respond – Multiple questions sent to a recipient before they’ve
had a chance to answer can seem more like an interrogation rather than a
conversation.

Creating and Publishing Web Pages – Blog

WEB PAGES – BLOG:
 A blog is a discussion style site used by non-technical users for creating personal web
pages. Blog is similar to an online personal diary and similar to use.
 A blog is used to convey messages, events, news, announcements etc.
 Blogs are usually managed through web browser which needs an internet connection.
A blog can also be created through Offline Blog Software and later publish the
content when the internet connection is available.
 Examples of Websites that offer blog services:-
 [Link]
 [Link]
 [Link]

USING OFFLINE BLOG EDITORS

OFFLINE BLOG EDITORS:

 If you do not have an active internet connection, you can create blogs using a blog
application and publish the blog whenever internet connectivity is available.
 There are several free offline blog editors available that can be downloaded and
installed on the local computer such as:
1. Qumana
2. Windows Live Writer
3. Blogdesk
4. BlogJet
5. MarsEdit

ONLINE TRANSACTIONS
Online Transaction:
 The transactions over the internet are called Online Transactions.
 Like purchasing of goods, selling of goods, booking a ticket, payment of fees etc. all
comes under the category of Online transactions
 Examples
o For Buying Goods :- amazon, jabong, myntra, flipkart , ebay etc.
o For Booking of Tickets :- IRCTC
o For Payment of School Fee :- epay
o Payments tools to use Online transaction
o For completing an online transaction we must need:-
1. Valid Debit Card
2. Valid Credit Card
3. Net Banking Subscription

INTERNET SECURITY
Internet Security:
 Internet security refers to security related to Internet.
 It involves Internet browsing security and computer network security.
 Its main objective is to establish rules and measures to protect your data, computer
system and computer network from malicious activities and attack over internet.

Objectives of Internet Security:

 The main objective of internet security is to establish rules and measures to use
against attacks over the internet.
 Online Threats The threats / vulnerabilities that uses World Wide Web (Internet) to
facilitate crimes are called Online Threats. Like:-
1. Phishing :-
The act of acquiring personal / private and sensitivedata from
personal computers for use in fraudulent activities. For eg. Mails
from unknown persons that ask for your credit / debit card details.
2. Email spoofing :–
 It is the creation of email messages with a forgedsender address.
For eg. Sending an email with a forged email address which
appears to be original. These mails are infected mails which
contain worms.
3. Chat Spoofing:-
Spoofing means hoax, trick, or deceive whichcontains false
information. Hiding / Faking the identity of another person over the
internet is called chat spoofing.

Best practices for security over the Internet:

1. Use strong passwords:

A combination of alphanumeric and special characters could be used for creating a
password that is not so easy to crack or guessed by other users.

General Guidelines for a strong password

1. Keep the length of the password at least 12-14 characters if permitted.
2. Avoid keeping passwords based on repetition words, dictionary words, usernames, pet
names etc. Include numbers and symbols in passwords.
3. Use Capital and lowercase letters.
4. Avoid using the same password for multiple sites or purposes.
5. Avoid using something that the public or workmates know you strongly like or
dislikes.

Backup your data:

 Always keep copies of data in CD, pen drives etc, so it could be helpful in
situation when there is a loss of data.
Use Encryption software:
 Use encrypted software available within the operating software to protect data
from unauthorized users.

Keep username and password private:

  Never save passwords orusernames on computers that are used in shared
environments like net café.
Registering with website:
 Read privacy policy whenever youregister with a website, the policy will
include information about how the website use personal data.
Do not share personal information:
 Be cautious when filling outforms on internet. Because your personal
information or emails could be used by unauthorized users to send fake or
unwanted emails. So, first research and verify if it’s a trusted website or not
before providing personal information to any website.
Secure transactions:
 It is always recommended to use only secure websites for online shopping or
transactions because these websites store your credit card or online banking
personal information. Verify if the website uses secure transactions, usually it
is indicated through a digital certificate represented as a golden lock in the
web browser’s address bar.
Use Antivirus and antispyware software:
 These softwares protect your computer from any changes by malwares/threats.
Keep these softwares up to date.
Do not immediately respond to mails from unknown users:
 Some mails, that promise you jobs or announce lottery results, may contain
virus or scripts or they can try to gather your personal information. Never open
the attachments from unknown persons.
Install firewalls:
 Firewalls keep your system and networksecure. They could be software or
hardware. So, Install and configure your firewall.
 Regularly update your operating system and software applications.
 When you visit websites, cookies are created on your system that may contain your
personalor logon details. Clear browser cookies frequently so that your logon details could
not be tracked by unauthorized users.

Browser Security:
  Web browser security consists of all measures, procedures, and policies necessary to
protect users accessing the Internet from a web browser application.
 Almost everyone online has a web browser available on their computer or mobile
device. Since it is so common, hackers and other cybercriminals prefer to launch
compromising attacks on this client-side application.

Cookies:
 Cookies: (often known as internet cookies) are text files with small pieces of data —
like a username and password — that are used to identify your computer as you use a
network.
 Cookies are small pieces of text sent to your browser by a website you visit.
They help that website remember information about your visit, which can both make
it easier to visit the site again and make the site more useful to you.
 Specific cookies are used to identify specific users and improve their web browsing
experience.
 Data stored in a cookie is created by the server upon your connection. This data is
labeled with an ID unique to you and your computer. When the cookie is exchanged
between your computer and the network server, the server reads the ID and knows
what information to specifically serve you.

Clearing browsing data:

 Data that can be deleted. Browsing history: Clearing your browsing history deletes the
following: Web addresses you've visited are removed from the History page.
Shortcuts to those pages are removed from the New Tab page. Address bar
predictions for those websites are no longer shown.

Clear browser cookies:

 Clearing your browser's cache and cookies means that website settings (like
usernames and passwords) will be deleted and some sites might appear to be a little
slower because all of the images have to be loaded again.
Maintain workplace safety

There are some basic safety rules and procedures that every organization must follow. All the
employees must also be trained to follow these safety rules.

Safety rules to follow at workplace:

1. Fire Safety
2. Falls and slip
3. Electrical Safety
4. Use of First Aid
Prevent Accidents and Emergencies:

Accident: an accident is an unplanned event that may happen all of a sudden and may lead to
unwanted or unprecedented results/outcomes
Protect Health and Safety at work